Standalone Trigger Device for Sprinkler Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression systems with electronically activated sprinklers face downtime during modifications, such as upgrades or retrofits, due to the need to deactivate electrical and water systems, which can disrupt the sprinkler's operational state.
Innovation Solution
A trigger device that includes a sensor to detect fire conditions, a comparator to evaluate these conditions, and a power source to provide a control signal to the sprinkler, allowing it to operate independently from the main controller, ensuring the sprinkler remains functional even when disconnected from the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sprinkler is disconnected from the main controller for modifications, then the sprinkler can be upgraded or retrofitted, but the sprinkler system becomes non-operational during the modification process
Solution Approach 1:
A standalone trigger device is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor and the sprinkler actuator. This trigger device includes its own power source and control logic, allowing it to operate independently from the main fire control panel. The trigger device receives sensor inputs and directly controls the sprinkler actuator, serving as a mediator that enables the sprinkler to function even when disconnected from the main controller during modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The fire sprinkler control system is segmented into independent functional modules: a sensor module that detects fire conditions, a trigger device module that processes signals and controls actuation, and an actuator module that operates the sprinkler. This segmentation allows the trigger device to be disconnected from and reconnected to the main controller without affecting the operational integrity of the sprinkler system during modification periods
2Productivity
If the entire fire control panel is activated for testing, then all sprinklers can be tested, but unnecessary sprinklers are activated and the system becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger device implements local quality by enabling individual or selective sprinkler testing through localized sensor activation. Each trigger device is equipped with its own sensor and control logic, allowing testing to be confined to specific zones or individual sprinklers rather than requiring activation of the entire fire control panel. This localized control approach improves testing efficiency while maintaining precise control over which sprinklers are activated
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger device can include a sensor that detects a parameter corresponding to a fire condition, a comparator that evaluates the parameter to determine that the fire condition is present, a power source, and a trigger that receives power from the power supply and provides a control signal using the power to a control interface of a sprinkler responsive to the comparator determining that the fire condition is present to trigger operation of the sprinkler.